The detail, starting late Friday afternoon and lasting until 2 a.m. Saturday, targeted the East Gateway area after complaints by residents and business owners about prostitutes and Johns cruising the area.

Each of the men arrested in the 10-hour crackdown was charged with solicitation and booked into the Pinellas County Jail.

Police said prostitution stings are conducted periodically to address complaints.

Police Chief Tony Holloway vowed the crackdowns would continue until the problem is eradicated from Clearwater. The most recent sting focused on the area along Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard from San Remo Avenue to Jupiter Avenue.